European Parliamentarians for Africa

The annual general meeting of the South Africa Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (SACWP) was held on 22-23 May 2008 in Johannesburg.  Eight provinces were represented at the meeting including the National Council of Provinces.  The purpose of the meeting was to create a platform for information exchange on issues of common concern amongst women, to give an update on Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) activities in the African region, to finalise the constitution of SACWP, and to elect the executive of SACWP.

The meeting began with the opening and welcoming address by the Chairperson of the forum followed by the adoption of the report of the workshop held on 10-11 March 2008, which was also supported by AWEPA.  Issues raised during discussions included:

• The attacks of foreign nationals which have spread across the country were condemned. The negative effect of displacement of those attacked, especially women and children, was a concern. SACWP is to issue a press statement on the attacks, facilitated by the elected secretary.
• The impact of high inflation rate on the poorest in the nation
• The effect of female genital mutilation on girls
• HIV and AIDS and the impact of cultural practices on women and girls such as circumcision, genital mutilation, lobola (a traditional southern African dowry custom), wife inheritance, condom use in marriages and the treatment of widows
• The involvement of people with disabilities in discussions around their needs was emphasised and the suggestion that the issue of disability should be put on the agenda of the Africa region. 

During the meeting, feedback was given on the proceedings of the CWP Steering Committee held in Mozambique on 29-30 March 2008, and the meeting with the India High Commissioner in Pretoria.  The Mozambique meeting revisited the discussions of the CWP conferences held in 2007 and also discussed topics for the 2008 conference to be hosted by Nigeria in 2008.  The meeting with the India High Commissioner discussed how India addresses issues of women empowerment and protection of women's rights.

The Constitution of SACWP was finalised and adopted.  The executive of SACWP was then elected based on the rules stipulated in the constitution.  The executive members are: Ms MMA Nyama from Limpopo Legislature - Chairperson; Ms D Senonkonyane from Gauteng Legislature - Deputy Chairperson; Ms TD Chiloane from Mpumalanga Legislature - Secretary; and Ms N Macingwana from Western Cape Legislature - Treasurer.